Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fredericksburg, Virginia
Fredericksburg criminal charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Fredericksburg General District Court under Va. Code Title 18.2; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented results in Fredericksburg with an 83% favorable outcome rate. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys provide full representation for misdemeanors and felonies. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
What Is Criminal Law in Fredericksburg, Virginia?
Virginia criminal law is defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. In Fredericksburg, criminal cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and adjudicated at the Fredericksburg General District Court (701 Princess Anne St, Suite 200). The court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings, with felony jury trials moving to Fredericksburg Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fredericksburg General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia General Assembly statute.
- Fredericksburg General District Court website — court information, forms, and procedures.
Fredericksburg Criminal Court Process
Your case begins with an arrest or summons. The magistrate sets bond. You will have an arraignment at Fredericksburg General District Court.
- Arrest/Summons: You are arrested or receive a summons to appear in court.
- Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond—personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear at Fredericksburg GDC, enter a plea, and receive a trial date.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files pre-trial motions.
- Trial or Plea: Your case proceeds to trial or you accept a negotiated plea agreement.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. You can appeal to Fredericksburg Circuit Court.
Fredericksburg Criminal Penalties
In Fredericksburg, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison. A Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-11 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, firearm prohibition |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, insurance increase |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case facts, criminal history, and court discretion.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Fredericksburg Criminal Defense?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your defense. Our Fredericksburg criminal defense team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block and former Maryland prosecutor Kristen Fisher. We have a documented 83% favorable outcome rate in Fredericksburg cases. Our attorneys understand local court procedures, prosecutor strategies, and defense options.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Fredericksburg Criminal Defense Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas in Fredericksburg, with an 83% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts in misdemeanor and felony cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Fredericksburg, Virginia
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fredericksburg courts (701 Princess Anne St), accessible via I-95, Route 1, and Route 3. We provide criminal defense representation near Historic Downtown Fredericksburg, University of Mary Washington, and the Fredericksburg Battlefield.
We serve the Fredericksburg area and surrounding communities. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Fredericksburg, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Fredericksburg carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Fredericksburg General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Fredericksburg, Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Fredericksburg Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Fredericksburg, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Fredericksburg. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Fredericksburg General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Fredericksburg, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Fredericksburg are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Fredericksburg General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Fredericksburg?
Fredericksburg General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Fredericksburg Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state-wide hub page.
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer — neighboring locality.
- Fredericksburg DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area in Fredericksburg.
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile — former prosecutor on our team.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.